Dang Bathtub Drain

[Indy]

We've been having a problem with slow drains in the master bathroom. I've tried the liquid plumber a few times and it works for a couple weeks, then back to square one.

I figure it's time to snake the drain, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to remove the drain plug. It's one of those that's attached to the drain and you give it a half turn to close it (it drops down). They're pretty common in the hotels I've stayed in.

Would anyone happen to have an idea of how to get that dang drain plug out?

[dad2jeff]

got a pic.. whos the maker.

[SideShowCecil]

If I’m thinking of the same style of plug… there is a small knurled handle on top of the plug assembly. That handle should unscrew from the plug base. You may have to use channel-lock pliers to hold the base of the plug and a smaller pair of pliers to turn the handle. Once the handle is unscrewed there will be a brass screw head under it, that screw holds the reaming plug assembly to the drain basket.

If you have to snake the pipe you’re better off going in through the clean-out that is above the tub drain.

Hope this helps a little.

[mnsahd]

Indy,

I have two tubs with the same stopper that you are talking about. Mine has a small set screw at the bottom where it meets the shaft. I had to lay my head down in the tub to see it. A small flathead screwdriver was all I needed after an hour of turning and pulling. :wink:

[woodchuck]

They covered something similiar on Ask This Old House, the overflow vent near the top of the tub is the easier way to snake, straighter path to rest of plumbing. There's a small weir just past the drain opening that could deflect the snake up to the overflow vent, so going top down gets the snake going the right way the first time, and you have better control, leverage. I've scratched my head on this a few times, after I saw the show it became clear, and it works so much easier.

um..yeah, what sideshow said.

[Indy]

Going through the vent makes sense. Now I just need to figure out how to take the vent cover off (there are no screws visible).

[Bollux]

screw it yank the tub out and replace with a jacuzzi. lmao